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

Should you visit Columbus or Fairbanks?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Fairbanks?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fairbanks than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fairbanks is better known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is more popular for its nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Also, Fairbanks is famous for The Northern Lights. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbus or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Columbus or Fairbanks.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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 Columbus or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Columbus and Fairbanks both to be respectable destinations.

Columbus offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fairbanks. 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 Columbus or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Columbus 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 Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Fairbanks?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Columbus and Fairbanks.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Fairbanks offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Columbus or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Columbus 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 Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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 Columbus or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Fairbanks is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbus or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fairbanks due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Columbus. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbus has to offer. 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 Columbus or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the down-to-earth destination of Columbus. 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.

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 Columbus or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbus. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Columbus or Fairbanks?

Columbus is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Fairbanks?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus or Fairbanks?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Columbus or Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

In July, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus 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. Columbus is much warmer than Fairbanks in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Fairbanks. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Columbus. In the winter, Columbus is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Fairbanks averages at about -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Columbus usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Fairbanks. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. In April, Columbus is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Columbus