Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks or North Conway?
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 North Conway or Fairbanks?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit North Conway 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: North Conway or Fairbanks?
North Conway
North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.
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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North Conway Prices
USA PricesFairbanks Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNorth Conway $270Fairbanks $318
The average daily cost (per person) in North Conway is $270, 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 North Conway and Fairbanks in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNorth Conway $125Fairbanks $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNorth Conway $250Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in North Conway and Fairbanks
Looking for a hotel in North Conway 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: North Conway Hotel Prices and Fairbanks Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.North Conway $52Fairbanks $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in North Conway
Also for North Conway, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $100
- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $200
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 North Conway or Fairbanks?
Prices for flights to both Fairbanks and North Conway 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 dayNorth Conway $110Fairbanks $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
- 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.North Conway $38Fairbanks $65
Tours and Activities in North Conway
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.
- Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide: $15
- Kancamagus highway GPS Smartphone Audio Driving Tour App : $9.50
- Meet the Cider Makers with Rhythm Cidery Lincoln Tour: $40
- Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40
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 dayNorth Conway $33Fairbanks $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between North Conway and Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is North Conway much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to North Conway would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in North Conway 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 North Conway.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is North Conway Expensive? and Is Fairbanks Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, North Conway or Fairbanks?
Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of North Conway 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 North Conway 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 North Conway or Fairbanks in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and Fairbanks. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.
In the summer, North Conway is a little warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in North Conway in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).
In July, North Conway usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNorth Conway 69°F (20°C)Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Fairbanks in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to North Conway as well as Fairbanks. Additionally, 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 October, North Conway is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 49°F (9°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).
North Conway usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (84 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 OctoberNorth Conway 49°F (9°C)Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Fairbanks in the Winter?
Both Fairbanks and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 North Conway. North Conway is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).
In January, North Conway usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 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 JanuaryNorth Conway 21°F (-6°C)Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)
Should I visit North Conway or Fairbanks in the Spring?
Both Fairbanks and North Conway during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.
Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In the spring, North Conway is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in North Conway in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).
North Conway usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 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 AprilNorth Conway 43°F (6°C)Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)
Typical Weather for Fairbanks and North Conway
| North Conway | Fairbanks | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°F (-6°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | -9°F (-23°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Feb | 24°F (-5°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | -2°F (-19°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Mar | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 32°F (0°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 50°F (10°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Jun | 63°F (17°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Jul | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Oct | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Nov | 39°F (4°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) | 4°F (-15°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Dec | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 inches (103 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.