Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Fairbanks?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fairbanks or Niagara Falls?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Fairbanks or Niagara Falls? 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.
Where Should I go: Fairbanks or Niagara Falls?
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior region of Alaska, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes - north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali - you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring. The residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFairbanks $272Niagara Falls $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Fairbanks is $272, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Fairbanks and Niagara Falls in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFairbanks $154Niagara Falls $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFairbanks $308Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Fairbanks and Niagara Falls
Looking for a hotel in Fairbanks or Niagara Falls? 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: Fairbanks Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fairbanks $66Niagara Falls $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:
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Full Tank of Gas$90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Niagara Falls Ontario to Toronto (YYZ) Airport: $159
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $107
- Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $178
- Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $160
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $107
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $103
- Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
- Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $262
- ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $207
- Private-Safe Transfer from Niagara Falls, Canada to Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF): $111
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairbanks or Niagara Falls?
Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Fairbanks 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 dayFairbanks $63Niagara Falls $28
Typical Food Prices in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing$63
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Totem Inn Breakfast for Two$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $300
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fairbanks $65Niagara Falls $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:
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The Riverboat Discovery Trip$55
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1 Day Mountain Bike Rental$27
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Canoe Rental with Pickup$56
Tours and Activities in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fairbanks, AK: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
- Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour: $58
- Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour: $95
- Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole: $99
- Summer Mushing Cart Ride & Kennel Tour: $100
- Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience: $105
- From Northern Lights & Murphy Dome Tour: $120
- Aurora Chaser Tour: $125
- Budget Aurora Borealis tour, Fairbanks, Alaska : $125
- 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $135
- Fairbanks Heritage Sightseeing Tour: $140
- Fairbanks Autumn/Winter City Tour: $140
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Made in America Tour: $92
- Niagara Falls USA Winter Tour Cave, Tower, winery & Much More : $90
- Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $298
- 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $45
- 30 Minute Niagara Falls Airplane Tour: $156
- 45 Minutes Whirlpool Tour in Niagara Falls: $32
- 7 Hour Niagara Falls USA Tour from Buffalo: $269
- All American Tour : $99
- All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
- All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $126
- All Niagara Falls USA Tour Maid of Mist Boat & So Much More : $130
- All inclusive Niagara Evening Light Show, Boat Ride & Cave Tour: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFairbanks $27Niagara Falls $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Niagara Falls, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fairbanks Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks and Niagara Falls, 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 Fairbanks or Niagara Falls?
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 Fairbanks or Niagara Falls in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Niagara Falls. The summer months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Fairbanks is generally cooler than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 64°F (18°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Fairbanks usually gets less rain in July than Niagara Falls. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFairbanks 64°F (18°C)Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?
Both Niagara Falls and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.
It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the autumn. Fairbanks is much colder than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 27°F (-3°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In October, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFairbanks 27°F (-3°C)Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Niagara Falls in the Winter?
Both Niagara Falls and Fairbanks during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Niagara Falls can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In the winter, Fairbanks is much colder than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairbanks in January average around -9°F (-23°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).
Fairbanks usually gets less rain in January than Niagara Falls. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFairbanks -9°F (-23°C)Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Niagara Falls in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Niagara Falls. Many visitors come to Fairbanks in the spring for the natural beauty.
Fairbanks can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 32°F (0°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In April, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFairbanks 32°F (0°C)Niagara Falls 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Fairbanks
| Fairbanks | Niagara Falls | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -9°F (-23°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -2°F (-19°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 32°F (0°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 64°F (18°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 47°F (8°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 4°F (-15°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -5°F (-21°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
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.