Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Clearwater?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Clearwater or Fairfield?
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 Clearwater and Fairfield. 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.
Where Should I go: Clearwater or Fairfield?
Clearwater
Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.
Fairfield
The city of Fairfield is in Solano County, California, in the Sacramento Valley area. It's a medium sized city that is home to the Travis Air Force Base. It's also halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80. There are a handful of interesting activities in the area. Consider visiting either the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area or the Hill Slough Wildlife Area both of which have hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and boating opportunities. You can also take a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which is in town, or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery which includes two complimentary beers and a limitless supply of pretzels. On Thursdays you can take a guided tour of the Travis Air Force Base. If you're interested in visited a working ranch, Rush Ranch is open to the public and can be a fun experience with an opportunity to visit with the animals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayClearwater $309Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, while the average daily cost in Fairfield is $131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Clearwater and Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personClearwater $141Fairfield $97
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomClearwater $282Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Fairfield? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Clearwater $221Fairfield -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:
- Pete–Clearwater Airport to Clearwater Beach Round-Trip Transfer: $144
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $126
- Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
- Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $103
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
- Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $101
- From Orlando: Clearwater Beach Day with Transfers and Lunch: $100
- St Petersburg to Tampa Airport (TPA) -Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from St Petersburg Clearwater Airport to St Pete Beach: $75
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to St. Petersburg - Arrival Private Transfer : $63
- St. Petersburg to St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield and Clearwater change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayClearwater $46Fairfield $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Clearwater
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Clearwater.
- 2 Hours Beach Bites & Brews Food Tour in Gulfport, Florida: $69
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
-
El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
-
Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Clearwater -Fairfield $13
Tours and Activities in Clearwater
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:
- 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
- 1.5 Hour Tiki Tour with Open Bar in Clearwater Beach: $49
- 2 Hour Guided Kayak Tour in Boca Ciega Bay - St. Pete: $55
- 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour of Downtown St Pete: $59
- 2 Hour Private Jet Ski Ft Desoto Sand Bar Tour: $127
- 2 Hour Sunset Cruise in Clearwater, Florida: $35
- 2 Hour Sunset Kayak Tour: War Veterans Memorial Park: $59
- 2 Hour Tandem Kayak Tour (Price for 2 People): $110
- 2 Hours Kayak Eco Tour in Tarpon Springs: $54
- 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg: $67
- 4-Hour St. Pete Pier to Egmont Key Experience by Ferry: $67
- 90 Minute Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Clearwater at Hatchet Hangout: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayClearwater -Fairfield -
Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:
- The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Fairfield
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fairfield:
- Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Fairfield, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Fairfield much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fairfield would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fairfield 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Fairfield.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Clearwater Expensive? and Is Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Fairfield?
Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Fairfield. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Fairfield, 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 Clearwater or Fairfield?
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 Clearwater or Fairfield in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Fairfield. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Clearwater is a little warmer than Fairfield in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fairfield fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fairfield. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the summer, Clearwater often gets less sunshine than Fairfield. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 439 hours of full sun.
Clearwater receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater usually gets more rain in July than Fairfield. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyClearwater 82°F (28°C)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Fairfield in the Autumn?
Both Fairfield and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Clearwater is a little warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Fairfield averages at about 62°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in Fairfield. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during autumn. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 300 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberClearwater 75°F (24°C)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Fairfield in the Winter?
Both Fairfield and Clearwater during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.
In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the winter, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Fairfield. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fairfield receives 149 hours of full sun.
Clearwater usually gets less rain in January than Fairfield. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryClearwater 60°F (15°C)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Clearwater or Fairfield in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Fairfield. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the beaches.
Clearwater is much warmer than Fairfield in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Fairfield fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fairfield this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Fairfield during spring. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Fairfield receives 328 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilClearwater 71°F (22°C)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Clearwater
| Clearwater | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 68°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.