A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Winston-Salem vs. Fairbanks for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. Other popular activities here include museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Winston-Salem and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Fairbanks has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fairbanks is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. Fairbanks is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also well known for The Northern Lights. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Winston-Salem or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Winston-Salem or Fairbanks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Winston-Salem. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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 Winston-Salem or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Winston-Salem is becoming an appealing option for foodies. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

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 Winston-Salem or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

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 Winston-Salem or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem has an old town worth visiting. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

Both Winston-Salem and Fairbanks are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

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.

Is Winston-Salem or Fairbanks More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Winston-Salem or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Winston-Salem or Fairbanks.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly city. 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 Winston-Salem or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fairbanks is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Fairbanks Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Winston-Salem is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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 Winston-Salem or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires 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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

One day in Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique destination of Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. 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.

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Winston-Salem. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the remote destination of Fairbanks. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

Winston-Salem 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.

You'll find museums and shopping around the beautiful city of Fairbanks. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Fairbanks?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Winston-Salem during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

Winston-Salem is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Fairbanks. The shopping scene are the main draw to Winston-Salem this time of year. Furthermore, 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 the autumn, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Winston-Salem in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Winston-Salem. In January, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 40°F (4°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Winston-Salem usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Winston-Salem is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 61°F (16°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Winston-Salem