A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Fairbanks for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Fairbanks

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

West Palm Beach and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in West Palm Beach than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. 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 West Palm Beach different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both West Palm Beach and Fairbanks offer respectable local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fairbanks. 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 West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

West Palm Beach has a large number of nightlife venues. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is an amazing beach area to visit for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great city for hiking. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Fairbanks. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Families?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Fairbanks is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

West Palm Beach has some public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beach area of West Palm Beach. 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.

The unique destination of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the fun-filled beach area of West Palm Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach area makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach area has to offer.

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Fairbanks, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Fairbanks much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairbanks would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairbanks 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Fairbanks.

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

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Fairbanks?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Fairbanks. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Fairbanks. Also, 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. West Palm Beach is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. 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. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and West Palm Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and West Palm Beach