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

Should you visit Greensboro or Fairbanks?

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 Greensboro and Fairbanks. 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.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and hiking.

Greensboro and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Greensboro or Fairbanks?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Greensboro and Fairbanks are both popular with visitors, Fairbanks has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Greensboro is known for its nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also home to The Northern Lights. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Greensboro different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Greensboro or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Greensboro is not a skiing destination.

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Greensboro is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Greensboro and Fairbanks.

Greensboro offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. 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 Greensboro or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Greensboro and Fairbanks offer a number of decent restaurants to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Greensboro. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Fairbanks may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Greensboro or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Greensboro 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 Greensboro. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

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 Greensboro or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Greensboro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Greensboro or Fairbanks?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks and Greensboro.

Greensboro offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Greensboro or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Both Greensboro and Fairbanks are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Greensboro. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

Fairbanks offers lots of family activities. 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 Greensboro or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Fairbanks is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Fairbanks makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.

Is Greensboro or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is well known for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fairbanks is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Greensboro is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of budget hotels nearby but no real hostels.

Is Greensboro or Fairbanks Better for Students?

Greensboro is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Greensboro 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 Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.

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 Greensboro or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Greensboro is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

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 Greensboro Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Greensboro?

How long in Greensboro or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Greensboro 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 Greensboro, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

Couples should spend more time in Fairbanks than Greensboro. 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 Greensboro 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 Greensboro or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Greensboro. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Greensboro has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and shopping around the Arctic city of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Greensboro or Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Greensboro. 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Fairbanks, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Greensboro or Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated city of Greensboro. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Greensboro or Fairbanks?

Greensboro 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Greensboro or Fairbanks?

Greensboro has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Greensboro 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 Greensboro or Fairbanks?

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 Greensboro or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Greensboro as well as Fairbanks. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Greensboro this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Greensboro is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the summer temperatures in Greensboro in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 64°F (18°C).

Greensboro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Greensboro usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Greensboro gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Greensboro or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Greensboro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Greensboro for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Greensboro is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Greensboro average around 62°F (17°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In October, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Greensboro gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Greensboro or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Greensboro during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Greensboro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. Greensboro can get quite cold in the winter. Greensboro is much warmer than Fairbanks in the winter. The daily temperature in Greensboro averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Greensboro usually gets more rain in January than Fairbanks. Greensboro gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Greensboro or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Greensboro and Fairbanks. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the spring, Greensboro is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the spring temperatures in Greensboro in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In April, Greensboro usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Greensboro gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Greensboro