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

Should you visit Cherokee or Fairbanks?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Fairbanks, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cherokee and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cherokee or Fairbanks?

Both Fairbanks and Cherokee have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cherokee is better known for its food and nightlife, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing and impressive beauty. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. 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 Cherokee different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cherokee or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Cherokee and Fairbanks have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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.

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

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

Cherokee is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

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 Cherokee or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

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 Cherokee or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Cherokee and Fairbanks are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Fairbanks?

Both Cherokee and Fairbanks are notable shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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 Cherokee or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

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 Cherokee or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

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

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is notable for backpackers. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Cherokee is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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 Cherokee or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Cherokee or Fairbanks. In our opinion, Cherokee has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cherokee than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Cherokee. 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.

The beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Cherokee. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Fairbanks is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fairbanks, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating town of Cherokee. 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.

Fairbanks is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cherokee or Fairbanks?

Cherokee 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 great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Fairbanks?

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

Both Fairbanks and Cherokee during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. Cherokee is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cherokee or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Fairbanks. The winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the winter. The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. In the winter, Cherokee is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cherokee or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In April, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Cherokee