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

Should you visit Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Saint Louis and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

Both Fairbanks and Saint Louis have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Saint Louis is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. 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 Saint Louis different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Louis or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Saint Louis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

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 Saint Louis or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Louis. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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 Saint Louis or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Saint Louis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Saint Louis or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. 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.

Saint Louis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Louis or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Saint Louis is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Louis. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Saint Louis or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Saint Louis and Fairbanks both notable destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Fairbanks makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Saint Louis or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known 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.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

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

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you to most places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Saint Louis or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Louis or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Saint Louis, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

One day in Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Saint Louis. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Louis has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the Arctic city of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Saint Louis. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the remote destination of Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated city of Saint Louis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The unique city of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

Saint Louis 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis or Fairbanks?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Fairbanks. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. Saint Louis is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Saint Louis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Saint Louis can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint Louis is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Fairbanks. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In April, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Saint Louis