A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America The Hamptons vs. Fairbanks for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between The Hamptons and Fairbanks can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Northern Lights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hamptons than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hamptons is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. Also, The Hamptons is famous for The Montauk Lighthouse. 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 The Hamptons different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is The Hamptons or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, The Hamptons 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.

The Hamptons is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in The Hamptons or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

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

The Hamptons is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

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 The Hamptons or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

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 The Hamptons or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

The Hamptons is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is The Hamptons or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

The Hamptons is a popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is The Hamptons or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.


Is the Shopping Better in The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to The Hamptons specifically to go shopping. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

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 The Hamptons or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit, too. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Is The Hamptons or Fairbanks Better for Families?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

Both The Hamptons and Fairbanks are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hamptons. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Fairbanks offers lots of family activities. 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 The Hamptons or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

The Hamptons is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

The Hamptons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 The Hamptons or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a great destination for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options 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.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

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

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

Neither The Hamptons or Fairbanks offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Public transit is quite limited 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 The Hamptons or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

The Hamptons
Fairbanks

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

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable beach destination. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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

For even more information, also check out Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either The Hamptons or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in The Hamptons due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for The Hamptons, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than The Hamptons 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.


  • How many days in The Hamptons or Fairbanks? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hamptons 3-7 
    Fairbanks 2-4

One day in The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach destination of The Hamptons. 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.

In Fairbanks, many people enjoy the museums and shopping that this outdoorsy city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the opulent destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Fairbanks is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and food around the opulent beach destination of The Hamptons. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer.

You'll find museums and shopping around the remote destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Fairbanks or The Hamptons?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • The Hamptons Prices
    USA Prices
    Fairbanks Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    The Hamptons $267
    Fairbanks $318

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hamptons is $267, 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 The Hamptons and Fairbanks in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hamptons $126
    Fairbanks $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hamptons $252
    Fairbanks $308
Compare Hotels in The Hamptons and Fairbanks

Looking for a hotel in The Hamptons 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.

Hotels in The Hamptons


Hotels in Fairbanks


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: Fairbanks Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hamptons $63
    Fairbanks $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:


  • Full Tank of Gas
    $90

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

Prices for flights to both Fairbanks and The Hamptons 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    The Hamptons $104
    Fairbanks $109

Typical Food Prices in Fairbanks

For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing
    $63
  • 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
  • Electric Moose Studios Aurora Adventure W/Portraits & Hot Pizza!!: $270
  • Northern Lights Adventure with Photos & HOT PIZZA: $300
  • Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner & Northern Lights: $320

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hamptons $22
    Fairbanks $65

Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • The Riverboat Discovery Trip
    $55
  • 1 Day Mountain Bike Rental
    $27
  • 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:

  • Axe Throwing Experience with Ninja Stars: $45
  • Siberian Husky Kennel Tour in Fairbanks Alaska: $49
  • Siberian Husky Kennel Tour: $49
  • 1.5-Hour Beer and Puppies Guided Experience in Fairbanks: $58
  • Extreme Cold Clothing Pkg - (Parka Snowpant Bibs Boots) No Tour: $65
  • Walking with Reindeer Experience: $85
  • 45 Minute Private Reindeer Tour: $90
  • Sledding and Homesteading Adventure: $95
  • Husky Hiking Tour: $99
  • Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole: $105
  • Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience: $105
  • Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure from North Pole: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hamptons $31
    Fairbanks $27


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

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


Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to The Hamptons as well as Fairbanks. Many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, The Hamptons is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 76°F (25°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The Hamptons receives a lot of rain in the summer. The Hamptons usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. The Hamptons gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C) 
    Fairbanks 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit The Hamptons or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and The Hamptons are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to The Hamptons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. The Hamptons is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in The Hamptons averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. The Hamptons gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C) 
    Fairbanks 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit The Hamptons or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and The Hamptons during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. The Hamptons can be very cold during winter. In the winter, The Hamptons is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hamptons in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. The Hamptons gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C) 
    Fairbanks -9°F (-23°C)

Should I visit The Hamptons or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hamptons and Fairbanks. The spring months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. In April, The Hamptons is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 51°F (11°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. The Hamptons gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C) 
    Fairbanks 32°F (0°C)

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and The Hamptons

The Hamptons Fairbanks
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) -9°F (-23°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) -2°F (-19°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Mar 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 32°F (0°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
May 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 50°F (10°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 4°F (-15°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) -5°F (-21°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)