Which place is cheaper, Fairfield or Destin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Destin or Fairfield?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Fairfield can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Destin or Fairfield?
Destin
An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.
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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDestin $192Fairfield $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $192, 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 Destin and Fairfield in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDestin $111Fairfield $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDestin $222Fairfield $194
Compare Hotels in Destin and Fairfield
Looking for a hotel in Destin 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: Destin Hotel Prices and Fairfield Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Destin $50Fairfield -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:
- Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Fairfield?
Prices for flights to both Fairfield and Destin 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
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Food Meals for one dayDestin $51Fairfield $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.
- 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
- Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128
Typical Food Prices in Fairfield
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fairfield:
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El Pollo Loco Lunch (for 3)$17
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Hometown Buffet Dinner (for 3)$44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Destin $17Fairfield $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:
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1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs$40
Tours and Activities in Destin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:
- FAMOUS Destin Dolphin Cruise & Crab Island Sandbar: $70
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Destin: $60
- 3 Hour Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise from Destin : $70
- Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
- Clear Kayak Ecotour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
- Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
- Clear Kayaking Eco Adventure Tour in Marianna: $75
- Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure : $227
- Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
- Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
- Destin Private Guided Sunset Cruise up to 6 Passengers: $230
- Crab Island Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDestin $49Fairfield -
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 Destin and Fairfield, we can see that Destin 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin 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 Destin Expensive? and Is Fairfield Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Destin or Fairfield?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin 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 Destin 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 Destin or Fairfield in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Fairfield. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Destin is a little warmer than Fairfield in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fairfield fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Fairfield. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDestin 82°F (28°C)Fairfield 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Destin or Fairfield in the Autumn?
Both Fairfield and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Destin is a little warmer than Fairfield. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Fairfield averages at about 62°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDestin 69°F (21°C)Fairfield 62°F (17°C)
Should I visit Destin or Fairfield in the Winter?
Both Fairfield and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Destin is generally a little warmer than Fairfield. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Fairfield fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Fairfield. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDestin 50°F (10°C)Fairfield 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Destin or Fairfield in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Fairfield. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Destin is a little warmer than Fairfield in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Fairfield fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Fairfield. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Fairfield receives 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDestin 68°F (20°C)Fairfield 56°F (13°C)
Typical Weather for Fairfield and Destin
| Destin | Fairfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 50°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.