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

Should you visit Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a flashy, party-oriented, and colorful city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Fairbanks

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

Atlantic City and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Atlantic City than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Atlantic City is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Atlantic City is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Also, Atlantic City is famous for Steel Pier and the Boardwalk. 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 Atlantic City different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Atlantic City or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

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

Atlantic City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

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

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Fairbanks is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Atlantic City and Fairbanks both notable destinations for a couple.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

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

Atlantic City has some public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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 Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the remote 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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the party-oriented destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glitzy city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. 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 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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Fairbanks?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks in the Summer?

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

In July, Atlantic City is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Atlantic City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlantic City 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. Atlantic City is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Atlantic City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Atlantic City 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. Atlantic City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Atlantic City is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches 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 April, Atlantic City is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Atlantic City