A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Fairbanks for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Fairbanks?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida 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.

Merida

Merida is a traditional, colonial, and historical 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 Merida travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Merida and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Merida is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Merida different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Merida or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Merida 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.

Merida is not a skiing destination.

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

Merida 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.

Merida offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

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 Merida or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

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 Merida or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

Merida has a large number of nightlife venues. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

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 Merida or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Fairbanks. 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.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Fairbanks?

Merida 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 Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

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 Merida or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Fairbanks Better for Families?

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

Merida is a family-friendly city. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

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 Merida or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

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

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

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 Merida or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Fairbanks are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

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.

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

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

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

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 Merida or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have 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 Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Merida?

How long in Merida or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Merida or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida 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 Merida.

One day in Merida or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer. 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 Merida or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Merida or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Merida. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Merida or Fairbanks?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 outdoorsy 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 Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Fairbanks?

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

Both Fairbanks and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Merida is a little warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, 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, Merida is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Fairbanks. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Merida usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Fairbanks. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Merida is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Merida