A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Fairbanks for Hiking, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Chattanooga or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, hiking, and shopping.

Chattanooga and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chattanooga. Although Chattanooga and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Chattanooga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chattanooga is very popular for its food and nightlife, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing and impressive beauty. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. It is also well known for Rock City. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Chattanooga different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chattanooga or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

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

Chattanooga is not a skiing destination.

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Chattanooga is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Chattanooga and Fairbanks both have high quality trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks and Chattanooga.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga to go shopping. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chattanooga or Fairbanks.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chattanooga and Fairbanks make for a nice place to visit.

Chattanooga is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options 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.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

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

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

The public transit in Chattanooga can get you to most places easily. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Fairbanks?

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

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Chattanooga. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy city of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the thriving destination of Chattanooga. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the unique destination of Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chattanooga or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Chattanooga. 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.

The Arctic city of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chattanooga or Fairbanks?

Chattanooga 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Fairbanks?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Fairbanks. The summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

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

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. 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. In the autumn, Chattanooga is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chattanooga in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Chattanooga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 40°F (5°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Fairbanks. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Chattanooga is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga