A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Fairbanks for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Asheville 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 Asheville 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking.

Asheville and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Asheville has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Asheville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Fairbanks is known for its skiing, museums, and impressive beauty. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. It is also home to The Biltmore Estate. Fairbanks is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Asheville different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Asheville is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Asheville is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Fairbanks offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

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 Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

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

Asheville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

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 Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Music?

Asheville is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Asheville while you're in town. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Fairbanks Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Asheville and Fairbanks, and they are superb.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Fairbanks?

Asheville 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 Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

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 Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Fairbanks does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Asheville is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Fairbanks does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a decent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Fairbanks does not offer Christmas markets.

During the holidays, visitors often browse through the Christmas markets in Asheville. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Fairbanks does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Asheville 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 Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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 Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

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

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

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 Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville and Fairbanks are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Is Asheville or Fairbanks Better for Students?

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

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Asheville 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 Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

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 Asheville or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

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

One day in Asheville or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and shopping around the mountain town of Asheville. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Fairbanks. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Asheville or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the eclectic destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and shopping around the unique destination of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Asheville or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the progressive mountain town of Asheville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the Arctic city of Fairbanks. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Fairbanks?

Asheville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Fairbanks is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Fairbanks?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Asheville 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 Asheville 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 Asheville or Fairbanks in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Asheville is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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. In October, Asheville is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Asheville usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Asheville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Asheville in the winter for the Christmas ambience, 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. Asheville is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Asheville for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the spring, Asheville is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Asheville