Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs or Fairfield?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fairfield or Palm Springs?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fairfield and Palm Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fairfield or Palm Springs?
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.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFairfield $131Palm Springs $206
The average daily cost (per person) in Fairfield is $131, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $206. 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 Fairfield and Palm Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFairfield $97Palm Springs $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFairfield $194Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Fairfield and Palm Springs
Looking for a hotel in Fairfield or Palm Springs? 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: Fairfield Hotel Prices and Palm Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fairfield -Palm Springs $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
- Desert Hot Springs to Los Angeles Airport Departure Transfer: $251
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
- Private Transfer from PSP to Vía La Quinta, Indio, CA : $158
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairfield or Palm Springs?
Prices for flights to both Palm Springs and Fairfield 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 dayFairfield $30Palm Springs $53
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.Fairfield $13Palm Springs $29
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- 10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas: $50
- 100+ Self Guided Driving & Walking Tours by Action: $100
- Best of Palm Springs Small Group Tour w/ Aerial Tram: $166
- Covered Wagon Adventure & BBQ: $129
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
- Desert Healing Experience: $175
- Earthquake Canyon Express Downhill Bicycle Adventure: $139
- Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Springs: $200
- Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour : $235
- Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour: $235
- Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour: $149
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFairfield -Palm Springs $13
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 Fairfield and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palm Springs 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 Fairfield Expensive? and Is Palm Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fairfield or Palm Springs?
Fairfield has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Fairfield and Palm Springs, 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 Fairfield or Palm Springs?
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 Fairfield or Palm Springs in the Summer?
Both Palm Springs and Fairfield during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Fairfield is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Fairfield averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
Fairfield usually gets more rain in July than Palm Springs. Fairfield gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFairfield 73°F (23°C)Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Palm Springs in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairfield and Palm Springs. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Fairfield is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fairfield in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 69°F (20°C).
In October, Fairfield usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Fairfield gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFairfield 62°F (17°C)Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Palm Springs in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Fairfield as well as Palm Springs. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.
In January, Fairfield is generally much colder than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Fairfield average around 46°F (8°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
Fairfield usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Fairfield gets 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFairfield 46°F (8°C)Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Fairfield or Palm Springs in the Spring?
Both Palm Springs and Fairfield are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Fairfield is cooler than Palm Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Fairfield averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
In April, Fairfield usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Fairfield gets 1.3 inches (32 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFairfield 56°F (13°C)Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Fairfield
| Fairfield | Palm Springs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Feb | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (13°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Jun | 69°F (21°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Sep | 70°F (21°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 62°F (17°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 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.